Margot Called for Backswing Interference Twice in Same AB

[Lindsay]

After Tampa Bay batter Manuel Margot was called for backswing interference twice during the same at-bat by HP Umpire Ramon De Jesus during the Rays-Jays game in Toronto, we were asked to review the relevant rule, which is called follow-through contact at the high school level.

Although the rule is grouped under the parent of Batter Illegal Action provisions (a batter is out for illegal action when—), the backswing act does not result in an automatic out: "If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard they carry the bat all the way around and, in the umpire’s judgment, unintentionally hit the catcher or the ball in back of them on the backswing, it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play" (Rule 6.03(a)(4) Comment).

Accordingly, De Jesus upon deeming that Margot's bat made contact with Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen as part of Margot's natural follow-through (such that the contact was not an intentional act to interfere), properly administered the penalty by calling "Time" and returning Rays baserunner Randy Arozarena to first base. It does not matter whether or not the catcher actually throws the ball (e.g., Jansen was unable to throw during the first infraction): this is called when contact occurs.

If the throw retires the runner, the infraction is ignored. | Video as follows:
 

Alternate Link: Umpire De Jesus calls Margot for backswing INT twice during same AB (CCS)

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